Whey Protein Powder - Is It The Best Protein Powder?

Can any meal be complete without the inclusion of protein in it? All of you know how important protein is for our growth and good health. There are many regular sources of obtaining proteins naturally like pulses, eggs, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, chicken, beef, Ham, Bacon and whey. Whey protein powder is known to contain high protein which is very good for health and growth of body. It is considered as the best protein powder and is used as an important ingredient in weight loss diet as it provides the much needed protein without adding unwanted calories on the plate. One of the most natural resources of proteins, best whey protein powder can be added to any diet to increase the protein intake.

Whey is the liquid by-product of cheese. This whey contains high amount of proteins which is isolated to produce powder. Experiments on animals have shown that this best protein powder carries anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are investigating the different curing possibilities of whey protein powder in the treatment of different diseases. The liquid whey is turned into powdered form by simple drying method and so as to enhance its protein content, the lipid and other non-protein components are removed.

This protein powder comes in three different forms which are isolate, concentrate and hydrolysate forms.  

• The concentrate form consists of protein which weighs around 29%-89%.  This type of whey powder is low in fat and cholesterol content but is rich in bioactive compounds. Carbohydrates too are present in ample amount in the form of Lactose. Concentrate whey protein retains the milky taste. This form of whey protein powder comes very cheap but since it is high in fat content it is not considered healthy especially if you are aiming to loose weight.
• Isolates contain proteins which weigh around 90%. Isolates are whey proteins which are low in bioactive compounds and are processed to remove fat and lactose from it. Isolate whey protein powder too have milk like taste.
• Hydrolysates are comparatively much costlier than other types of whey protein powder. These can be easily digested as they are in predigested hydrogenated form. The other two forms have been found to create allergy in some people. But Hydrolyslate form of protein is almost non-allergic and is bitter in taste.     

Since protein is highly essential for muscle building, whey protein powder is usually advised by the dietitians to increase muscles in the body. This best protein powder is easily digestible and gets immediately absorbed in body which enhances the muscle building activity. Mostly after heavy exercise or workout, body is in need of high protein which can be very easily absorbed by the body. Whey powder works as a power drink when mixed with milk or simply with warm water. The best whey protein powder also comes in different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry etc. which can make a good drink for children who need proteins the most. 

•  Apart from being a huge booster for muscle building whey protein powder also works as an antioxidant thereby increasing the immunity of body.
• This best protein powder also repairs the wear and tear of muscles very fast.
• Whey protein powder is known to enhance the metabolism rate.
• It decreases the muscle breakdown occurring after workout session.

All these qualities make this protein powder a favorite with athletes and bodybuilders. 

BV or biological value is the determinant of protein absorption in body and how much helpful it can be in developing body muscles. If the biological value is more, it means that it has higher efficiency to get absorbed in body. The major protein providers like egg and beef have BV – 100 & 75 respectively while whey protein powder has a BV of 170 which is comparatively much higher.  That’s why the whey protein powder is soon replacing other protein sources as the highest protein giving product.   

Whey powder is very good for health and has been used for muscle building since long. But the latest research suggests that it is equally beneficial in the treatment of cancer, obesity, healing of wounds, infant health and for diseases in old age.

This protein enriched powder is used as protein supplement. Let’s see who use it the most:

•          Vegetarians
•          People aiming for weight loss
•          New body builders
•          Strength trainers and body builders
•          Sportsman
•          Athletes

Although there are many natural sources of proteins which are available for vegetarians, but they do not provide proteins with high BV as the non vegetarian foods do.  Hence many body builders or athletes who are keen on building and maintaining their muscles but are vegetarian; have to break their habit and take up eating non vegetarian food. This can be very tricky as many leave the effort halfway. The whey protein powder has come up as an ideal supplement for all vegetarians who now can get more proteins without having to turn to non-vegetarian food.

Whey powder can be taken alone as a protein supplement or can be blended with other protein inducers like dextrose, glutamine and creatine. This GI carbohydrate when combined with whey powder in milk or water enhances the muscle building activity of the body. Body builders who are very much into training usually take 1 to 2 grams of this protein powder, but the quantity differs as per individual’s workout regime.  

The best time to take this protein powder is when the body is in immediate need of protein supplement which means it should be taken before or after the workout. It can also be taken as a replacement for afternoon meal.

Many reputed brands are available which present whey powder in delicious flavors. Apart from a bit of allergy, whey powder is not known to have any side effects. Even the allergy syndrome is restricted to very few people who have problem with dairy products.